Truss type panel structures



Nov; 14, 1967 B. F. RAYNES TRUSS TYPE PANEL STRUCTURES 4 Sheetsfiheet 1 Filed June 15, 1965 I N V E NTOK a. F. RAYNES ATTORNEY Nov. 14, 1967 B. F. RAYNES THUSS TYPE PANEL STRUCTURES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 15, 1965 INVENTOR B. F. RAYNES FIG. 7

ATTORNEY Nov. 14, 1967 B RAYNES 3,352,070

TRUss TYPE PANEL STRUCTURES Filed June 15, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN'VENTOR.

B. F. RAYNES ATTO NEY 1967 B. F. RAYNES TRUSS TYPE PANEL STRUCTURES 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 15, 1965 FIG.

FIG.

I.\\ ENT.OR.

B. F. RAYNES FIG.

A ORNEY United States Patent 3,352,070 TRUSS TYPE PANEL STRUCTURES Burt F. Raynes, Chula Vista, Calif, assignor to Rohr Corporation, Chula Vista, Calif a corporation of California Filed June 15, 1965, Ser. No. 464,036 13 Claims. (CI. 5222) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Pitched roof and ceiling panels, struts, and gussets are factory fabricated and assembled on-site to form roofceiling truss unit modules which may be repeated to complete a building of specified modular length. Each module includes a pair of pitched roof panels connected at the roof peak and interconnected at their eaves by a ceiling panel. The roof and ceiling panels are formed of metallic C-channel chords and Z-shaped stiffener members Welded together. The roof panels have metallic facing sheets welded to the chords and stiffeners, and the ceiling panels have non-metallic facing sheets fastener-secured to the chords and stringers. Dimpled connections are provided in the interconnecting chords, struts, and gussets, and bolt fasteners at these connections are factory-secured to one of the chords of each panel.

Features of the invention This invention relates generally to building roof structures and more particularly to a new and improved truss type construction wherein factory fabricated pitched roof panels and ceiling panels are assembled and interconnected on-site with struts and gussets to form a unitary, monolithic roof-ceiling truss unit or module which may be repeated as many times as required to complete the roof and ceiling of a building of specified modular length.

In accordance with a feature and object of the present invention there is provided for each roof-ceiling module aforesaid, a pair of pitched roof panels which are connected together at the roof peak and interconnected at their eaves ends by a ceiling panel which spans the distance between the oppositely disposed outer walls of a building upon which the truss type roof-ceiling is installed.

As another feature and object of the present invention, each of the modular roof and ceiling panels comprises a pair of longitudinally extended chords in the form of C-channels spaced substantially on module and open faced toward each other to receive the ends of a plurality of Z-shaped stiffener members which extend between the channels and are spaced at intervals along the length thereof. The chords and stilfeners are formed from sheet metal and provide the support for roof or ceiling facing sheets, as the case may be.

A further feature and object resides in the provision of factory fabricated, all metal roof panels having sheet metal facing sheets which provide a completely weather resistant surface to which decorative finishes such as paint and gravel may be applied.

Alternatively, it is a feature and object of the present invention to provide, in lieu of the sheet metal roof facing sheet aforesaid, a modular width, sheet metal fabricated, simulated shingle which can be factory Welded to the chords and stiffeners in successive courses, and thereafter painted or otherwise protectively coated at the factory to provide an all metal roof panel module which upon on-site assembly with like modules, will together therewith, provide a completely finished composite roof surface of lasting quality and beauty.

Still another object and feature is to provide ceiling panel modules which may employ conventional facing ice sheets and involve simple assembly procedures in the full factory fabrication of the panels.

A still further object and feature is to provide a method of assembly and connection of the roof-ceiling truss modules together from module to module wherein the strut and gusset interconnections between the roof and ceiling panels are accomplished concurrently therewith.

Yet another object and feature is to provide a simple bolt type of connection between the panels and their interconnecting chord, strut, and gusset members wherein shear loading on the bolts is avoided and taken up instead by the members per se.

Additional objects and features reside in the provision of simple methods and means effective on-site for the coupling and support of gable overhang roof panels, for the sealing of joints between the panels, for the tie-down of the roof-ceiling truss structure to the supporting building wall structures, and for the prevention of heat transfer by way of conduction through the all metal roofceiling truss construction.

Still other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent as the description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

The Drawings FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view, in perspective, of a modular truss panel structure, including gable overhang panels, constructed and assembled in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. .2 is a sectional view taken within the plane 2-2 of FIG. 1 and showing the manner of coupling of the gable overhang panels to the other roof panels;

FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view of the structural parts which form a truss peak connection Within the plane 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken within the plane 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a somewhatenlarged fragmentary view in elevation of the upper chord truss peak as viewed from the right in the panel assembly of FIG. 1, the struts 28 being removed;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken just off module within the plane 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partially sectional, partially elevational view as seen along the line 77 of FIG. 6; I

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a pair of room panels disposed on module;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of a pair of ceiling panels disposed on module;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view depicting the use and coupling between courses of sheet metal shingles for simulating a pitched roof having conventional wood shake shingles;

FIG. 1'1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a fully formed sheet metal shingle module;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to that of FIG. 11 but showing the shingle module only partially formed; and

FIGS. 13 to 15 are somewhat enlarged fragmentary sectional views showing variations in the panel sealing arrangement shown in FIG. 2 for effecting a sealed joint between adjacent roof panels.

The specification Referring now to the drawings and first more particularly to FIG. 1, the numeral 20 generally designates a gabled end portion of a modular home having pitched roof panels 21 and 22 and a ceiling panel 23 connected together in the form of a truss. Gable overhangroof panels 24 and 25 are secured to panels 21 and 22, respectively, in a manner subsequently to be described. The

pitched roof panels 21 and 22 are connected together at the peak of the roof thus formed thereby, and each roof panel, at the eaves overhang formed thereby with respect to outside wall 26, is connected as by a gusset 27, to the ceiling panel 23. The ceiling panel and each of the roof panels are further connected along each module line by a system of struts 28 to 33 to thus complete a roof-ceiling truss module, i.e., the interconnected roof and ceiling panels 21 to 23 and their interconnecting gussets 27 and struts 28 to 33. It will be understood that this roof-ceiling-truss module is repeated as many times as necessary in accordance with the particular modular length of building required, and then terminated at the end of the building with gable overhang roof panels which correspond generally to gable panels 24 and 25.

The roof panels 21 and 22, including the eaves overhang portion, may each have a length of the order of 16 feet, or more, and the ceiling panel 23 may have a length of the order of 24 feet, or more, in spanning the distance between outer wall 26 and its counterpart outer wall on the other side of the building. The roof and ceiling panels are each four feet wide to thus place the roof-ceilingtruss modules 21 to 23 on module With the modular wall construction which comprises 4 foot foam-core panels 34. Each of these modular wall panels has a channeled edge surface to receive a tubular stud 35 which is secured to a wireway wall header beam 36. The wireway and studs comprise a load bearing steel framework which serves to interlock the wall panels therewith all in a manner more fully described in my copending application for Building Construction, Ser. No. 212,393, now Patent No. 3,203,145 filed July 25, 1962. The manner in which the roof-ceiling-truss modules are tied down to the supporting wall structures therefor will subsequently be described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 8, it will be seen that each roof panel comprises a pair of spaced chords 37 and 37b in the form of C-channels formed of any material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as '18 gage galvanized sheet steel. Extending between the channels and spaced at intervals of the order of 9 inches along the length thereof are a plurality of stiffener members 38 which are Z-shaped in cross section. The stiffener members 38 are formed preferably of thin light weight material such as 22 gage galvanized sheet steel which is fully sufficient at the aforementioned spacing of the members to support a man walking on the roof, the surface of which is provided by the skin or facing sheet 39 which is formed of any material suitable for the purpose such as 24 gage galvanized sheet steel. The channel members 37 and 37b are faced openly toward each other such that the ends of the Z members extend into the channels and are spot welded thereto as depicted at 40, the lower legs only of the Z members being welded to the channels 37. The skin 39 is also spot welded to the channels and to the stiffeners as depicted at 41, the welding occurring at suitable intervals over the length thereof.

It will be understood that the spacing between the channels for the gable overhang 24, and thus the length of the stiffener members 42 therefor, will vary in accordance with the width of overhang required in each case. Each pair of adjacently disposed roof panels such, for example, as gable panel 24 and roof panel 21 as disclosed in FIG. 8, when bolted together in the manner hereinafter to be described. are sealed by a mass of sealant 43 interposed between the adjacently disposed channels 37 and 37b. This sealant may be of any type suitable for the purpose such, for example, as caulking compound which may be applied in a strip along the length of one or both channels just prior to assembly and bolting of the panels together.

The roof surface thus provide-d by the modular skins of galvanized sheet steel may variously be decoratively covered as by the gravel 44 and rock 45 depicted in FIG. 1, in which case, a suitable under surface 46 such as 4 thick paint may be used. A capping plate 47 is employed at the peak to seal and protect the same. Plate 47 is formed of any suitable material such as 24 gage galvanized sheet steel, and as may best be seen in FIG. 5, comprises a rounded peak 48 and raised projections 49 into which a suitable sealant such as caulking compound may be inserted. Plate 47 is secured to the roof as by sheet metal screws 50, each of which passes through a projection 49, the sealant therein (not shown), and thence into anchoring engagement with the skin 39 and the Z member 38 which conveniently is disposed therebeneath to enhance the support for the capping plate.

An alternative roof surfacing arrangement is provided in the use of the simulated shingling disclosed in FIGS. 10 to 12. The simulated shingles generally designated 51 are factory fabricated in four foot modular widths from a suitable material such as galvanized sheet steel, each shingle being formed from a single sheet into which the shingle pattern 52 is stamped or otherwise suitably formed. The patterned portion of each shingle terminates in an unpatterned tail portion 53 at one end and in a riser portion 54 at the other end. A base portion 55 extends rearwardly from riser 54, tail portion 53 terminates in a doubled back portion 56 which forms therewith a cavity or socket 57 for receiving the base portion 55 of the next higher shingle course, as depicted diagrammatically in FIG. 10. Each shingle also comprises a side portion 58 which terminates at the bottom in an inwardly directed flange 59 and at the riser end in an inwardly directed tab 60 which folds over the riser 54, as best seen in FIG. 11.

In the use of the shingle modules 51, the same are spot welded at the factory to the chords 37 and to the Z stiffener members 38, FIG. 10, and are used in lieu of the skin or facing sheet 39 of FIGS. 1 and 8. In order to effectively seal the shingles, a so-called weld through type of commercially available sealant preferably is employed between the parts as in the socket 57 where the spot welds pass from the doubled back portion 56 of one shingle through the base 55 of the adjacent shingle, thence through the tail portion 53 of the first shingle, and finally through the channel 37 and Z 38. In similar manner, shingles are welded together to the associated Z member 38 at spaced intervals over the length thereof, and the side flanges 59 of each shingle likewise are spot welded one or more times to the spaced channels 37.

Shingles 51 are formed to full modular width so as to fit tightly with the shingles of the adjacent panel when the same are assembled with caulking disposed therebetween as heretofore described. The close spacing serves etfectively to seal the composite roof surface and, esthetically, to mask and obscure the module line and thus give the appearance of a conventionally shingled roof. The shingled roof panels are factory painted, and the composite roof thus formed on-site from the assembled roof panels will be long lasting and will virtually obviate any need for repair and unkeep.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 9, it will be seen that the modular ceiling panels are formed generally in the same manner as the roof panels, having spaced chords 60 and 6011 which face inwardly and Z members 61 which extend therebetween.

Screws 62 also serve to fasten the ceiling skins or facing sheets 63 which may be formed of any material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as commercially available gypsum wall board. Screws 62 may be of any type suitable for the purpose such, for example, as the type known commercially as 1 inch U.S.G. Drywall Screw, type S Bugle Head.

The ceiling panels conveniently may be fabricated using, for example, two 4 x 12 foot commercially sized sheets 63 to provide the aforementioned 24 foot ceiling span. In such case, a Z member 61 disposed at the center of the span provides the means of securing the meeting edges of the sheets 63 to the panel framework by the screws 62, as before. 7

The roof and ceiling panels 2123 are bolted together on-site by means of special guide bolts generally designated 65 (see FIGS. 1 and 3 to 7) having flat tapered heads 66 and bullet shaped tips 67. Bolts 65 may be made in any suitable manner such as by machining the same from standard fiat head steel bolts, in which case, the threaded shank is reduced and then tapered to form the bullet shaped tip 67.

Bolts 65 are permanently secured at the factory as by Welding to certain of the chords of the roof and ceiling panels. Dimpled openings as depicted at 68 are formed in these chords to receive the tapered bolt heads 66. The dimpled sidewalls thus formed also provide surfaces for spot welding of the bolt heads to the chords. Bolts 65 are required where the roof chords meet at the roof peak and along the chords where the struts 28 to 33 and gussets 27 make connection therewith. Similarly, bolts 65 are required where the gussets and struts make connection with the chords of the ceiling panels. To this end, and in the arrangement herein disclosed, bolts 65 are secured to all connection points along the right hand chords 37 of roof panels 21 and 24, and with the exception of the peak connection, to all connection points along the right hand chords 37a of roof panels 22 and 25. In the case of the ceiling panels, it is the right hand chord 60 of each to which the bolts 65 are secured.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the manner of forming a roof peak chord connection between the roof panels will be described. It will be seen that at the peak extremities of the chords, the side flanges of the same are removed, leaving rounded end tabs 69 and 69a for chords 37 and 37a and 69b and 690 for chords 37b and 370. These tabs have dimpled openings 68 where the same serve to receive bolts 65, or otherwise have dimpled openings 70 for a purpose presently to be explained.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3, it Will be seen that the centrally positioned struts 28 which meet at the roof peak have flattened end portions 71 in which dimpled openings 72, similar to dimpled openings 68 and 70, are formed. Strut tubes 28, as well as strut tubes 29 to 33, are formed of any material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as 1 inch diameter .018 inch wall thickness, steel tubing, which appropriately may be flattened sufiiciently length wise thereof, as in the case of the centrally disposed struts 28, for example, to clear the chords, as in FIG. 3, and yet retain sufiicient strength as struts to serve the purpose of the truss structure.

In the assembly of the dimpled parts of FIG. 3, the dimpled openings of the same readily slip over the bullet tipped end 67 of bolt 65 and onto its threaded shank. The dimpled sidewalls of the parts thereafter readily move into seated relation, one upon the other, with the result that upon tightening the nut 73 upon the bolt, the parts become structurally interlocked together and the shear loading on the bolt is thus substantially eliminated. The only function of the nut and bolt then remaining is to maintain the dimpled parts in this interlocked relationship, and to this end, the nut is preferably counter sunk as at 74 to mate with the confronting dimpled sidewall 70 of chord 370.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, the struts 28 to 33 are each connected to the adjacently disposed roof panel chords 37 and 37b, and likewise, are each connected to the adjacently disposed ceiling panel chords 60 and 66a. Strut 33, however, is also connected to gusset 27 which, like the struts, makes a similar chord connection, as will hereinafter appear in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Struts 29 to 33, as may be seen by reference to FIG. 4 wherein struts 30 and 31 appear by way of example, are connected to roof panel chords 37 and 37b in the same manner as struts 28, as heretofore described, particularly with reference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the struts 30 and 31 are sandwiched directly between chords 37 and 37b whereas at the peak connection depicted in FIG. 3, the struts 28 are disposed directly between the tabs 69a and 69b of chords 37a and 37b, respectively, these tabs, in turn, being sandwiched between tabs 69 and 690 of chords 37 and 370, respectively. In all other respects, the connections are identical, and the showing of FIG. 3 may be assumed to be representative of the condition of the roof chords and struts of FIG. 4 prior to assembly thereof. Likewise, the showing of FIG. 4 may be taken as representative of the ultimate position of the parts of FIG. 3 when the same have become interlocked and secured together by tightening of the nut 73 on the bolt 65.

The manner of connection of struts 28 to 32 to ceiling panel chords 60 and 60a is depicted in FIG. 4 wherein struts 31 and 32 appear in sandwiched relation with respect to these chords and wherein it may be seen that the interlocking arrangement between the struts and ceiling panel chords is generally similar to that heretofore described for the struts and the roof panel chords. In the case of the ceiling panel arrangement, however, heat insulation washers 75, having appropriately dimpled openings, are sandwiched respectively between the chord 60 and strut 31 on the one side, and between the chord 60a and the strut 32 on the other side. Washers 75 interrupt the otherwise continuous metallic connection between the roof and ceiling panel structures and thus prevent the transmission of heat therebetween by conduction by way of the struts and gussets. To this end, washers 75 may be formed of any material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as molded nylon.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be seen that the connection of gusset 27 to the ceiling panel chords 60 and 66a is substantially as disclosed for the struts 31 and 32 in FIG. 4, the gusset having a dimpled opening to receive bolt 65 and being sandwiched thereon between a pair of heat insulation washers 75 in the same manner as the struts in FIG. 4. The gusset-chord connection disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7 corresponds to that depicted at 76 in FIG. 1. A similar connection is made as at 77 in FIG. 1, with the exception that the flattened lower portion of strut 33 in this case appears adjacent the gusset, and the gusset and strut together are sandwiched between the insulation Washers 75 in the same manner as struts 31 and 32 in FIG. 4. Washers 75 closely fit the bolts 65 whereas the struts and gussets form a loose fit thereon to avoid heat transfer therebetween.

The gusset-chord connections to the roof panels, such as occur at 78 in FIG. 1 are formed in the same manner as the strut 29-cord 37, 37b connection 79 wherein the dimpled gusset or chord per se is sandwiched between the dimpled chords. Gussets 27 are formed of any material suitable for the purpose such as 12 g-a-ge galvanized sheet steel.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be seen that the ceiling facing sheets 63 extend in overlying relation to the perimetrically extended wireway wall beam 36 to which square met-a1 blocks are secured on module by any suitable means (not shown). Corner portions of the facing sheets 63 and, in the case of the ceiling panels used at the ends of the building, similar portions of the facing sheets spaced at modular distances along the wire- Way edges of the same, are removed to provide openings 91 to clear the blocks 90 with the result that the chords 6t) and 60a bear directly against the blocks 9%. Mounting plates 92 are secured as by welding to the lower flanges of chords 6th and 66a and together with the chord flanges are suitably apertured for the passage of bolts 93 which are threadedly received into the associated block 99.

In addition to the bolted chord-strut-gusset connections between the roof and gable overhang panels, and the peak connections between the gable panels per se, additional bolted connections are made at intermediate points as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIG. 2, steel blocks 94 are interfittingly disposed within the channels 7 of chords 3'7 and 371) respectively, and these blocks and chords are suitably 'apertured to receive a bolt 95. A nut 96 and washer 97 for the bolt complete the connection. Upon tightening this connection, the coupling between the panels becomes sufiiciently strong to enable the gable panels to sustain the usual loading thereon.

In accordance with a suitable on-site assembly procedure for installation of the roof-ceiling truss structure heretofore described, a ceiling panel 23 is first installed at the left end of the building, as disclosed in FIG. 1, and tied down by bolts 93 to the perimetrically extending wireway 36, as aforedescribed. Roof panels 21 and 22 may now be positioned above panel 23 and hinged together by slipping the peak tab 69a of chord 37a over bolt 65 carried by peak tab 65 of chord 37. Chords 37b and 37c of panels 21 and 22 will now be aligned and the dimpled wall of peak tab 69c will be seated upon that of peak tab 6% such that these tabs may be hinged together by temporarily inserting a pin in the dimpled openings. Panels 21 and 22 may now be set in their pitched position simply by elevating the same at the peak, whereupon the gusset and strut members 27 to 33 may be slipped over the bolts 65 which extend from ceiling panel chord 60 and from roof panel chords 3'7 and 37a, a heat insulation washer 75 first being placed on each of the bolts on chord 60.

Gable roof panels 24 and 25 may be installed at this time, or at the time of installation of the corresponding gable panels at the opposite end of'the building, which installation follows that of the last of the successive roofceiling modules 21-23 required to cover the building enclosure. In view of the showing of FIG. 1, however, which discloses the gable panels 24 and 25 as installed, the installation of the same will next be described herein.

A pair of struts 28 are slipped over the aforementioned pin which is temporarily hinging chords 37b and 37c of panels 21 and 22 together. The remaining system of gusset and strut members to be interposed between the gable panels 24 and 25 and panels 21 and 22, respectively, are then hung from the bolts 65 on chords 37 and 37a of the gable panels. Gable panel 25 is next moved into position adjacent panel 22, whereupon its bullet tipped bolts 65 readily pass through the corresponding dimpled openings in chord 370 of panel 22, and the dimpled tab 69a of gable panel chord 37a readily slips onto the temporary hinge pin. The gusset and strut members 27 and 33 for panels 22 and 25, with the exception of the peak connection, may now be permanently bolted in position. The same procedure is then followed in mounting and securing gable panel 24 to roof panel 21, bolt 65 on tab 69 of gable panel chord 37 now replacing the temporary hinge pm.

In connecting the strut and gusset members to ceiling panel chord 60a, bolts similar to fixed bolts 65 are used, and heat insulation washers are interposed between the chord and the gussets and struts, as before. Channel blocks 94 are now inserted in appropriate positions along the adjacently disposed gable-end roof chords 37, 37b and 37a, 37c, and the same are bolted together in the manner disclosed in FIG. 2, thereby completing the mounting of the gable panels, the roof-ceiling panel of the building then being in the state of completion as disclosed in FIG. 1.

In continuing the roof-ceiling assembly, a second ceiling panel 23 is bolted to the Wireways on opposite sides of the building, and the adjacently disposed ceiling panel chords and 60a are permanently bolted together along the module line extending therebetween, heat insulation washers 75 having first been placed on the bolts extending from chord 60 of the first mounted ceiling panel. These bolts, of course, are fixed to the chord, and although accessible only by reaching, in certain instances, over the four foot width of the second ceiling panel, mounting and tightening of the nuts '73 thereon is readily accomplished by use of a long-handled socket wrench, or the like.

A second roof panel 21 is now positioned next to the first mounted panel 21 and, except for the peak connection, is bolted thereto. A second roof panel 22 is then similarly mounted and secured to the first mounted panel 22, the second panel being manipulated into this position such of the dimpled peak tab 65c on chord 37c thereof first slips onto the peak bolt 65 on chord 37 of the first mounted panel 21, and the dimpled tab 6% on chord 37a of the second panel 22 slips onto the peak bolt 65 on chord 37 of the second panel 21.

The next system of washers 75, gussets 2.7, and struts 28 to 33 are now set in position for mounting of the next roof-ceiling panel module 21-23, and this sequence is repeated until the building enclosure is covered.

The gable roof panels at the right end of the building will mount to their adjacently disposed roof panels 21 and 22 in the same manner of mounting of those panels, the washers, struts and gussets for these building-end panels, having first been mounted, on the fixed bolts 65 which, at this end of the building, extend from the roof and ceiling chords.

As aforedescribed and as disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 8, a mass of sealant 43 is interposed between adjacently disposed roof panels when the same are bolted together, thereby to effect a sealed joint therebetween. Reference is now directed to FIGS. 13 to 15 wherein modified panel sealing arrangements are disclosed.

Referring first to FIG. 13, the adjacently disposed metal roof sheets 39 are each offset as at so as to provide a space therebetween for respectively receiving the flanges 101 of chords 37' and 37b which are offset as at 102 in a half U-shaped configuration to seat in matching relation therewith U-shaped channels 103 formed in the adjacently disposed edge portions of sheets 39'. The leg portions 104 of the U-channels and the matching portions 102 of the chords diverge downwardly and inwardly toward their respective panels whereas the terminal leg portions 105 of the U-channels converge upwardly toward each other. The U-channels together serve to receive and engage a snap cap generally designated 107.

Snap cap 107 is formed from a single sheet of metal such as 24 gage galvanized sheet steel which is doubled back upon itself as at 108 and terminated as at 109 with downwardly diverging snap portions having rounded edges 110 for engaging the diverging leg portions 104 of sheets 39' with a snap action as the same is forced yieldably into the position as shown in FIG. 13. The cavity formed between the snap portions 109 of cap 107 is filled with a low viscosity, almost mastic, caulking compound 106 which yieldingly engages and covers the upper portions of the converging terminal leg portions 105 of sheets 39 to thus seal the joined panels when cap 107 is secured in the position shown.

In the sealing arrangement disclosed in FIG. 14, a snap cap 107 and chords 37 and 37b are shaped and employed as in FIG. 13. The cover sheets 39 employed in this arrangement of FIG. 14, however have only the diverging leg portion 104 of the U-channels 103 disclosed in FIG. 13. The thusly remaining leg portions 104, however, are engaged as before by the rounded ends 110 of snap cap 107 to provide the same snap action engagement therewith, as aforedescribed.

In forming the sealed joint disclosed in FIG. 14, a commercially available extruded vinyl seal 111, having a hardness equivalent to 25 Shore hardness of rubber, and having yieldable flanges 112 and 113, is forcibly inserted between the adjacently disposed chords 37' and 37b to provide a back-up seal for retaining a high viscosity fluid type caulking compound 114 employed to substantially fill the cavity thus formed between the adjacent panels. The high viscosity and fluid compound 114 provides for ease of application of the snap cap 107 whose snap portions 109 must enter the cavity and penetrate the compound in order to engage the coacting sheet portions 104 to effect the snap action engagement therebetween, as aforedescribed.

In the arrangement of FIG. 15, an effective seal between the adjacent panels is accomplished without requiring a caulking compound of any type therebetween. This is accomplished in the use of a multi-fianged and hollow vinyl extrusion generally designated 115 and having physical characteristics generally similar to extrusion seal 111 of FIG. 14. Seal 115 is so performed as to interfit yieldably with the chords 37 and 37b" and with the terminal edge portions of the adjacently disposed cover sheets 39 and 39".

Cover sheets 39' and 39"" are similarly rounded as at 116 where the same are disposed in close proximity to each other to slightly indent the sides of an upstanding ridge portion 117 of the interposed seal 115. Sheets 39 and 39"", moreover, are similarly formed with diverging edge portions 118 which engage generally upwardly curved and pointed flanges 119 which yield upwardly, as shown, when compressively engaged by the diverging edge portions as the panels are bolted together. Similarly formed flanges 120 on seal'115 engage the opposed surfaces of the chords 37 and 3711", these flanges also yielding upwardly, as shown, as the panels are brought together.

The diverging edge portions 118 of the cover sheets 39 and 39" are similarly rounded as at 121 and have diagonally directed fiatconverging portions 122 which seat upon similarly diagonally directed portions 123 of the chords 37" and 37b". Cover sheet 39"", however, unlike sheet 39", terminates with a hook portion 124 which is received into a slot 125 provided in the seal 115.

In the assembly of the panels together using seal 115, the seal is first positioned against panel 21 by engaging the slot 125 in the seal onto the hook portion 124 of cover sheet 39" whereupon the flanges 119 and 120 respectively yield upwardly against the cover sheet portion 118 and against the chord 37b" of panel 21. As panel 24 is moved into position for attachment to panel 21 and as the same are bolted together, upstanding portion 117 of seal 115 is compressively engaged between the opposed rounded surfaces 116 of the cover sheets and becomes slightly indented thereby, as aforementioned. Likewise, the flanges 119 and 120 respectively become compressively engaged between the opposed cover sheet portions 118 and the opposed surfaces of the chords 37 and 37b" whereupon the same are yieldably urged upwardly thereagainst, and the seal by reason of the same being hollow, is capable of being further yieldably compressed between the panels, as required, thereby to establish an effective sealed joint therebetween.

From the foregoing it will now be apparent that truss type roof-ceiling modular structures have been provided which are well adapted to fulfill the aforestated objects of the invention. It will be apparent, moreover, that in the fabrication and assembly of these structures, both at the factory and on-si-te, that commercially available methods and materials may be employed throughout with the result that such structures may be manufactured and assembled both expeditiously and economically.

While the invention hereinbefore disclosed has been best described with reference to exemplary constructions, methods and materials thereof which give satisfactory results, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, to which the invention most closely relates or appertains, that the same may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments of the invention are therefore to be consid ered as in all respects illustrative and nonrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and useful and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module for installation on site with like modules on a walled building structure, comprising a ceiling panel which spans the distance between the oppositely disposed outer walls of said building structure, and a pair of roof panels interconnectable at the roof peak and respectively interconnectable at their eaves ends with the ends of said ceiling panel, each of said roof and ceiling panels comprising a pair of metallic longitudinal chords, a plurality of spaced metallic stiffeners extended between and secured to said chords, and a facing sheet secured to said chords and stiffeners, said panel chords having dimpled bolt receiving portions for receiving bolt fasteners to effect on site the interconnection of dimpled chord portions at the peak connections of said roof panels and at the eaves connections of said roof and ceiling panels whereby the chords take up and relieve the bolt fasteners of any shear loading thereon.

2. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 1 and wherein the facing sheet of the roof panel comprises a plurality of courses of wood shingle simulating sheet metal shingles spot welded to its chords and stiifeners.

3. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 1, said roof panel chords andstiffeners are spot welded together, said roof panel facing sheets are formed of sheet metal spot welded to their respective chords and stiffeners, and said ceiling panel comprises a non-metallic facing sheet and a plurality of fasteners for securing the ceiling panel facing sheet, chords, and stilfeners together as a unitary panel.

4. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 1 and further comprising sealing means interposed between the confronting surfaces of adjacently disposed roof panels for sealing the joints therebetween.

5. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 1 wherein the ceiling panel chords comprise means for securing the ceiling panel to a supporting wall structure.

6. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 1 wherein each of said roof and ceiling panel chords has a plurality of said dimpled bolt receiving portions disposed along the length thereof, and said truss module further comprises metallic gussets respectively connectable on site to said roof and ceiling panel chords at said eaves connections thereof and metallic struts connectable between said roof and ceiling panel chords and to said dimpled bolt receiving portions thereof.

7. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 6, said chords comprising C-channel members, said stiifeners comprising Z-section members, said gussets comprising plates, and said struts comprising tubes.

8. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 6, one of said chords for each of said panels having a plurality of panel coupling bolts secured respectively to said dimpled bolt receiving portions thereof and extended therethrough and laterally outwardly of the panel to the dimpled bolt receiving portions in the chord of a like panel disposed adjacent thereto and on module therewith.

9. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 8, at least one of said struts having a dimpled and apertured end portion thereof disposed between the adjacently disposed chords of said adjacently disposed panels and having one of said bolts extended through the aperture therein.

10. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 9 and wherein said bolt has a flat tapered head seated in the dimpled sidewall of its chord, said strut is a tube flattened at said end of the tube and said aperture therein is dimpled to seat respectively on and within the dimpled sidewalls of said adjacently disposed chords, said bolt having a coacting nut, and said nut being tapered 1 1 inwardly to seat on the dimpled wall of said apertured chord.

11. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 10 and including a pair of dimpled heat insulation washers disposed on said bolt respectively between said strut and said chords.

12. A factory fabricated roof-ceiling truss module as in claim 8, one of said pitched roof panels having a bolt at the peak end of its bolted chord and the other having its bolted chord apertured at the peak end to receive said peak bolt.

13. Modular truss-panel structure comprising factory fabricated pitched roof and ceiling panels, and means including struts and gussets connectable on site to said panels for securing the same together, each of said panels comprising spaced longitudinal chords, spaced stiffeners extended between and secured to said chords, and a facing sheet secured to said chords and to said stiffener members, one of said chords for each of said panels having a plurality of panel coupling bolts secured thereto and spaced along the length thereof and extended therefrom laterally outwardly of the panel, and the other of said chords for each of said panels having spaced apertures for receiving and passing therethrough the bolts of a like panel disposed adjacent thereto and on module therewith, said gussets being disposed respectively at the eaves formed by said roof and ceiling panels, each of said gussets having at least two dimpled openings for respectively receiving the panel coupling bolts of a pair of adjacently disposed roof panels and a pair of adjacently disposed ceiling panels, said gusset being disposed between the adjacently disposed chords of said adjacently disposed panels, said adjacently disposed bolted and apertured chords having dimpled openings, each of said panel coupling bolts having flat tapered heads seated in the dimpled sidewall of its chord, the dimpled sidewall of one of said gusset openings being seated respectively on and within the dimpled sidewalls of the adjacently disposed roof panel chords and having one of said panel coupling bolts extended therethrough, a pair of dimpled heat insulation washers disposed on the other of said panel coupling bolts and seated respectively on the dimpled sidewalls of the adjacently disposed ceiling panel chords, the dimpled sidewall of the other of said gusset openings being seated on and between said heat insulation washers and having the other of said panel coupling bolts extended therethrough.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,176,080 3/1916 Miller 52558 2,211,384 8/1940 Patterson 52-557 2,372,827 4/ 1945 Halicki 5291 2,396,829 3/ 1946 Carpenter 52639 X 2,427,726 9/ 1947 Can- 52276 2,576,049 11/ 1951 Shott 287--54 3,019,861 2/1962 Rasch 52639 FOREIGN PATENTS 215,651 6/1961 Austria. 705,074 4/ 1965 Canada. 184,246 8/ 1922 Great Britain.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

C. G. MUELLER, Assistant Examiner. 

13. MODULAR TRUSS-PANEL STRUCTURE COMPRISING FACTORY FABRICATED PITCHED ROOF AND CEILING PANELS, AND MEANS INCLUDING STRUTS AND GUSSETS CONNECTABLE ON SITE TO SAID PANELS FOR SECURING THE SAME TOGETHER, EACH OF SAID PANELS COMPRISING SPACED LONGITUDINAL CHORDS, SPACED STIFFENERS EXTENDED BETWEEN AND SECURED TO SAID CHORDS, AND A FACING SHEET SECURED TO SAID CHORDS AND TO SAID STIFFENER MEMBERS, ONE OF SAID CHORDS FOR EACH OF SAID PANELS HAVING A PLURALITY OF PANEL COUPLING BOLTS SECURED THERETO AND SPACED ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF AND EXTENDED THEREFROM LATERALLY OUTWARDLY OF THE PANEL, AND THE OTHER OF SAID CHORDS FOR EACH OF SAID PANELS HAVING SPACED APERTURES FOR RECEIVING AND PASSING THERETHROUGH THE BOLTS OF A LIKE PANEL DISPOSED ADJACENT THERETO AND ON MODULE THEREWITH, SAID GUSSETS BEING DISPOSED RESPECTIVELY AT THE EAVES FORMED BY SAID ROOF AND CEILING PANELS, EACH OF SAID GUSSETS HAVING AT LEAST TWO DIMPLED OPENINGS FOR RESPECTIVELY RECEIVING THE PANEL COUPLING BOLTS OF A PAIR OF ADJACENTLY DISPOSED ROOF PANELS AND A PAIR OF ADJACENTLY DISPOSED CEILING PANELS, SAID GUSSET BEING DISPOSED BETWEEN THE ADJACENTLY DISPOSED CHORDS OF SAID ADJACENTLY DISPOSED PANELS, SAID ADJACENTLY DISPOSED BOLTED AND APERTURED CHORDS HAVING DIMPLED OPENINGS, EACH OF SAID PANEL COUPLING BOLTS HAVING FLAT TAPERED HEADS SEATED IN THE DIMPLED SIDEWALL OF ITS CHORD, THE DIMPLED SIDEWALL OF ONE OF SAID GUSSET OPENINGS BEING SEATED RESPECTIVELY ON AND WITHIN THE DIMPLED SIDEWALLS OF THE ADJACENTLY DISPOSED ROOF PANEL CHORDS AND HAVING ONE OF SAID PANEL COUPLING BOLTS EXTENDED THERETHROUGH, A PAIR OF DIMPLED HEAT INSULATION WASHERS DISPOSED ON THE OTHER OF SAID PANEL COUPLING BOLTS AND SEATED RESPECTIVELY ON THE DIMPLED SIDEWALLS OF THE ADJACENTLY DISPOSED CEILING PANEL CHORDS, THE DIMPLED SIDEWALL OF THE OTHER OF SAID GUSSET OPENINGS BEING SEATED ON AND BETWEEN SAID HEAT INSULATION WASHERS AND HAVING THE OTHER OF SAID PANEL COUPLING BOLTS EXTENDED THERETHROUGH. 